Globalization: A Varying Perspective

Written by Brian McElyea

Kofi Annan appropriately stated, "it has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity." Annan's quote really resonated as a returning theme for us during our visit to the Middle East SoL conference. Additionally, the definition of globalization shifted as a result of the conference. Prior to the conference, it could probably be safely stated that one perspective of globalization they had was more of a business theory or practice and didn't truly acknowledge the impact and diverse meanings of globalization. Globalization has taken on a multi-dimensional aspect to us as a result of deepening our conversations with global leaders at the conference. The work done by Jan Scholte in defining globalization in five broad contexts seems apropos to review. Globalization as Internationalization- This is where the objective is to obtain cross-border relations with other countries. We embrace international exchange and focus on the interdependencies that exist. Globalization as Liberalization- This is where border restrictions are lifted in order to create a borderless world economy. Globalization as Universalization- This is where the spread of various objects, tools and experiences occurs to all corners of the earth (e.g., computing, tv, etc.). Globalization as Westernization or Modernization- This is where the social structures of modernity are spread around the world, quite frequently destroying pre-existing cultures in the process. Globalization as Deterritorialization- This is where the reconfiguration of geography where the social space isn’t defined in terms of geographic places. Anthony Giddens has defined this type of globalization as “the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa.” It is through the globalization as deterritorialization seems to be the definition that best fits what we experienced in Muscat…and hopefully can continue to grow through our new international friends and community. The hope would be that through this form of globalization we can bring an end to territorialism in some scale through the sense of common values. One significant learning point in our global forum would be the sharing of common values that existed amongst all the cultures present—making the experience so rich and inviting. The deterritorialization that occurred at this SoL event was from the outgrowth of social connections with a common cause and shared meaning around our common values. The insight to be gained significantly reinforced the application of Conversational Leadership to bridge cultures and creates that common understanding necessary to move forward as unique but appreciative differences that make us more effective as a whole. For certain, globalization in its many diverse forms seems as necessary as gravity in the future. For JLC, we experienced the beauty of globalization where social relations were pure and the proverbial bridge we often feel exists in diverse cultures is mostly attributed to our own mental models. Once surfaced, the connections and interconnections of our shared common values quickly surfaces, releasing the beauty of the human spirit for all to see and appreciate.